The Most Beautiful Schanigärten in Vienna: For Enjoying Outdoor Dining

What Is a Schanigarten? Vienna’s Unique Outdoor Dining Tradition

The term Schanigarten is typically Viennese, and often causes confusion outside of the city. After all, it has little to do with an actual “garden.” It’s more like a pavement café, though there’s a key difference from a traditional Gastgarten in terms of location. While a Gastgarten is part of a restaurant’s private courtyard or garden, the Schanigarten is set up on public ground, usually right on the pavement or at the edge of the street. That means it requires an official permit and fees for the owners.

From early March onward, tables and chairs are carried outside – and if the weather cooperates, you can enjoy sitting, eating, and sipping drinks outdoors all the way through to November 30th.

The origin of the Schanigarten dates back to the 18th century and a certain Johann “Schani,” a coffeehouse owner who was reportedly the first to set up tables in front of his café. The iconic phrase “Schani, bring out the garden!” („Schani, trag den Garten raus!“) is said to come from him. Because Schanigärten are often simple, flexible setups – quickly assembled and just as quickly packed away.

One thing’s for sure – Schanigärten have become a beloved part of Vienna’s café culture and are now an essential part of the warm summer months.